Victims of domestic violence undergoing separation proceedings will be able to access state-funded rental support ranging between €850, up to €1,300 a month, under a new government scheme launched by Parliamentary Secretary for Equality and Reforms Rebecca Buttigieg, Minister for Social Policy Michael Falzon and Affordable Housing Minister Roderick Galdes.

In a press conference on Wednesday, the three Ministers launched the new social housing scheme, aimed at helping victims of domestic violence access safe, alternative accommodation while going through separation proceedings.

Parliamentary Secretary Buttigieg said that the scheme was rooted in one of the most striking experiences she has encountered since entering politics.

She recalled speaking to a woman who had endured domestic violence throughout her marriage and described the journey from reporting abuse to finalising the separation as "a martyrdom."

"She was a housewife with no income, paying lawyers and trying to survive. She is okay now, but at the time, she said that it felt like it would never end," Buttigieg said.

Even in normal circumstances, she noted, living in the same home during separation proceedings is difficult, let alone in cases of domestic violence.

Buttigieg said that the government will now help victims find alternative accommodation so they can distance themselves physically and mentally from their abuser.

The scheme will offer rent support ranging from €850 to €1,300 per month, depending on the individual's income and number of children, if any.

"Ideally, we wouldn't need this, and we wouldn't have domestic violence at all, but thanks to a strong economy and a socially conscious government, we can deliver social justice in cases of domestic violence," she said.

Buttigieg said the measure would also reduce pressure on shelters and allow victims to gain independence.

The scheme involves three Ministries working together to support those going through separation, who would not qualify for other housing schemes during ongoing Court proceedings.

Buttigieg said that not all will be qualified for this scheme, and there will be an eligibility criteria, including the person's vulnerability, level of risk, their financial dependence, and their need for alternative accommodation.

She said that each scheme will be approved for one year, with the possibility of extension.

"This is another example of our vertical and holistic commitment to addressing the plague of domestic violence. I wish fewer people needed our help, but we are ready to respond effectively," she said.

Housing Minister Galdes said that domestic violence affects both the well-off and those with fewer means.

He said that last year alone, almost 3,800 people sought assistance after falling victim to domestic violence, with around 76% being women, a rise of about 6% in reports from women.

"This increase shows growing awareness of this plague. More people who were suffering in silence are now taking the first step and reporting," Galdes said.

Galdes said that only a few years ago, domestic violence was hardly spoken about, but today the state is mobilising its services.

He said that the Housing Authority already offers temporary accommodation support and provides a deposit-and-first-rent payment scheme for vulnerable people.

The new measure will allocate €1 million for domestic violence victims, modelled on the housing benefit scheme launched after the COVID-19 pandemic when people were confined at home, some with their abusers.

He said that the social housing scheme will vary between €850 and €1,300 depending on income and number of children and is designed to help victims quickly secure housing while their separation process is ongoing.

To ensure only genuine cases are approved, the scheme will involve the Commission on Gender-Based and Domestic Violence and the Foundation for Social Welfare Services (FSWS), where social workers can refer victims of domestic violence of the scheme.

He said that Malta currently has four specialised shelters for women, including Dar Għabex, run by Agenzija Appoġġ, and others operated through NGOs.

The scheme will offer victims "another lifeline alongside psychological support, helping them start a new life far from the person abusing them," Galdes said.

"We are fully aware of the burden these victims carry, and we are ready to help," he said.

Social Policy Minister Falzon said that the presence of three Ministers from the Cabinet and the Commissioner for Gender-Based and Domestic Violence sent a strong message of unity and cooperation.

"We believe this is not the responsibility of one ministry or two, but of an entire government that must be there for the vulnerable," he said.

He said that domestic violence, is not something "behind closed doors" but an issue that affects society as a whole.

"Domestic violence is not only physical blows. That may be the most visible part, but there is also controlling behaviour, and the question is always: where I (the victim) go?" Falzon said.

"No one should be left in a situation where they have nowhere to go," Falzon added.

He said that the state already provides emergency shelters and second-stage accommodation such as Dar Merħba Bik, run through a public-social partnership.

However, he said that some cases require individual housing arrangements or support after a long stay in shelters.

Falzon said that this new scheme complements social housing by offering the stability and peace victims need to move forward.

"There is no place for domestic violence in our society. This scheme is another seal of an administration that cares, that believes in second chances, and that offers victims the help they need to take that next step," Falzon said.

The Commissioner for Gender-Based and Domestic Violence Samantha Pace Gasan, as well as representative from Agenzija Appogg, were also present.